AKHLAQ MEANING
Akhlaq is most commonly translated in dictionaries as disposition, nature, temper, ethics, morals, or manners.
Moral is the plural of the word khulq, which means disposition. “Disposition” is a faculty (malakah) of the soul (nafs) that unconsciously inspires activities. Malakah comes into existence through repetitive practice and is not easily destroyed. A particular malakah may appear because of one of the following reasons:
- Fitra (natural state): The original condition in which Allah creates humans. Muslims believe that Allah has determined certain aspects of their lives for which they are not responsible (e.g., their place of birth and physical appearance).
- Ada (Habit): Some works are created by constant repetition and creating a certain mood.
- Practice and conscious effort: This, if sustained, will eventually create a mood.
Although nature creates certain traits, man can overcome nature through his will and effort. While dispositions caused by mental abilities (i.e., intelligence, memory, mental agility, etc.) cannot be changed, all others can.
عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ قَالَ إِنَّ رَسُولَ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ كَانَ يَدْعُو يَقُولُ اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنَ الشِّقَاقِ وَالنِّفَاقِ وَسُوءِ الْأَخْلَاقِ
Abu Huraira reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, would supplicate, saying, “O Allah, I seek refuge in You from discord, hypocrisy, and evil character.”
Three Types of Akhlaq:
- Akhlaq that is shown towards Allah.
- Akhlaq shown to others.
- Akhlaq that is shown towards one’s self.
Blessing of Akhlaq:
In the light of the Quran and Sunnah. They are as follows:
- Comprehensive advice on the perfection of good manners, such as not getting angry.
- The advice was given to Muadh Ibn Jabal on maintaining Taqwa and having the best manners side by side.
- No blessing is better than good manners. Good manners and long silence should always be advocated for a successful life.
- Having good manners is a sign of Iman.
- Allah loves those with good ethics; there is no better substitute for this love.
- Akhlaq is the weightiest thing in the Meezan after Iman (Taqwa).
- In a Hadith, the Prophet ﷺ has promised the person who shows impeccable moral the most proximity to him on the Day of Judgement.